Care catering’s unsung heroes honoured at the NACC Awards 2019 

On the 10th October, the National Association of Care Catering - NACC celebrated outstanding contributions to the care catering sector at the NACC Awards 2019.

The winners of the prestigious awards, which recognise teams and individuals from across the sector that demonstrate innovation, excellence and dedication in their field, were announced at a gala awards dinner at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

The special event was attended by the NACC’s members, patron and ambassadors together with industry colleagues, partners and guests.

The 2019 NACC Award winners are:

Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by Hobart: Ferndown Manor, Care UK

The preferences of residents are at the centre of mealtimes at Ferndown Manor. Menus reflect their tastes and needs, whilst attractive, relaxed dining rooms create enjoyable and unhurried restaurant-quality dining experiences.

The judges confirmed that their success can be summed up in the words of one resident who said: “It’s like a five-star hotel with care.”

Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito: County Enterprise Foods Nottinghamshire County Council

The in-house Meals on Wheels team champions the benefits of the important service. As well as delivering nutritious meals it provides valuable community support, which most recently includes Scambuster training to help protect the vulnerable from scams.

The judges praised the service, saying: “It’s very clear this multi-award-winning enterprise never rests on its laurels.” 

Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Brakes: Soil Association, Food for Life; Getting together through food

The innovative, intergenerational Food for Life Better Care initiative brings together care home residents and children in nurseries and schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The positive results include increased food and fluid intake, improved memory recall and reduced social isolation.

The judges described it as: “A superb example of teamwork across disparate organisations with a shared goal.”

Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions: Adriano Carvalho, Head Chef, Gracewell of Newbury

Motivated to improve the quality of services for residents, families and staff, Adriano created a development programme to inspire internal progression. In the last two years, there have been no resignations and in the last year, no agency staff and less than 10% absence. 

The judges were impressed, stating: “Here we saw a passionate and constant innovator who never ever stands still.”

Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Premier Foods: Ivan Nobrega, Service Driver, apetito 

In 2019, Ivan performed an outstanding act of bravery. On discovering a fire at a client’s home, he alerted the emergency services and got the husband and wife couple safely out of the property. Their home was destroyed and there’s no doubt his quick thinking saved their lives.

The judges agreed with Ivan’s line manager who said: “He’s a dedicated and modest individual who sees his round as personally his own.” 

Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko: North Region

The North region held onto the hotly-contested title of Region of the Year for the second year running. An achievement the judges described as ‘well-deserved’.

Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award: Berenice Pretlove

The Pam Rhodes Award recognises the work and commitment of an individual that has made a lasting contribution to the NACC. For the past seven years, Berenice has supported the association, continually raising its profile through communications.

She has advised executive board members, been instrumental in responding to the media, managing communications and establishing key relationships, represented the association at major events and has been editor of the NACC Yearbook since 2014.

Berenice has become a font of knowledge and key member of the NACC and is well respected for her genuine passion and going above the call of duty.

Chairman’s Award 2019: Adam Michallat-Cox

Neel Radia, the NACC Chairman, awarded this special recognition to Adam Michallat-Cox, describing him as a NACC unsung hero. A member of the NACC for 14 years, he’s been consistently supportive, volunteering his time to help drive the growth of the association. Adam has held regional and national positions, including South West Secretary, South West Chair and National Deputy Chair and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

As well as supporting the NACC, Adam does a lot of great work for the wider community, including being the founder and now trustee of the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance. 

Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, comments: “Congratulations to the NACC Awards 2019 winners. They are all fine examples of the exceptional talent, dedication and innovation that the care catering sector produces. 

“It’s an absolute privilege to honour the hard work and vision of care catering professionals up and down the country. They really are unsung heroes. Their incredible work helps ensure individuals in a care environment receive the quality care they deserve. Through innovation and unwavering commitment, person-centred nutrition, hydration and wellbeing are always at the core of mealtimes, whatever challenges the sector faces. The awards have always been a personal highlight and celebrating our inspirational and deserved winners was a wonderful way to end my six-year tenure as NACC Chairman.”

For more information on the NACC Awards 2019 and the NACC visit www.thenacc.co.uk